Natural Fibers

Selecting Only the Finest Fibers

The quality and character of each of our woven products begins with the careful examination and selection of premium, rapidly-renewable natural fibers. During harvest season, we work with farmers in close proximity to our weaving facility. By cultivating unique natural fibers in this way, we ensure that we leave a smaller environmental footprint. We select only the finest natural materials using strict measures for color, texture and durability. To be prepared for the loom, fibers are dyed, sun-bleached and hand-tied before a loom master weaves our signature textile designs.

Abaca

A soft fiber from the leaf stalk of the banana plant that can be stripped into very fine strands. Commonly known as banana hemp.

Arrowroot

This fiber comes from the inside of the Arrow tree vine. It is grown and harvested seasonally and very limited in its supply. This light and airy fiber has a glossy and smooth finish.

Bamboo

A tropical grass with hollow woody stems; mature canes can be used for manufacturing furniture and windowcoverings. The peel and husks can be used raw, and the inner peel can be spun into a thread to make a textile.

Bamboo Husk

Bamboo husk or shoot skin is a leaf that covers the joints of the bamboo tree. Once separated from the bamboo, the husk is split into finer strips, which are then knotted to create a strong filament for weaving.

Banana Fiber

A thick, soft fiber that is cultivated from a banana tree trunk. Coloration varies greatly depending on the climate in which it is grown and how it is dried.

Cork

Cork is harvested from the inner layer of bark tissue primarily from the Cork Oak. Because only the cork is harvested, the tree remains healthy. Cork production is considered environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Cotton

The soft fiber of cotton produces a thread that weaves into a strong, breathable textile.

Hemp

One of the world’s oldest and most versatile fibers, hemp fibers have a vast range of uses including being twisted into ropes and spun into textiles.

Horsehair

A stiff coarse fiber that is generally interwoven with other yarns for softness. It is highly valued for its rich lustre and durability.

Jute

Jute is a long, soft, shiny vegetable fiber that can be spun into strong thread or woven in its natural leafy state.

Linen / Flax

A grassy fiber that can be used in its raw state, but is more often refined to make linen. Characterized by its crisp and textured feel, linen is a versatile textile that has a high natural luster.

Mica Sand

Mica sand is comprised of muscovite, a mineral that is easily broken down into a fine sand, which takes on reflective properties with a soft, glittering appearance.

Palm

A durable fiber, obtained from the bones of palm leaves, that easily takes on color hues when cured.

Pandan

A tropical plant that has similar characteristics to stiff grass. It is commonly reserved for Southeast Asian cuisine.

Paper / Wood-Pulp

An ultra thin material made from wood fibers that have been mechanically separated and stretched when wet. Pulp fiber materials are often twisted prior to weaving to add strength.

Raffia

Raffia fiber is widely used throughout the world. It is produced from the membrane on the underside of each individual frond leaf. The membrane is taken off to create a long thin fiber, which can be dyed and woven as a textile.

Ramie

Native to Asia, the fibers from the stem of the ramie plant are strong enough to be stripped into refined strands while maintaining a soft, textured nature.

River Reed

A hollow grass-like plant that grows abundantly in tropical wetlands such as marshes or paddies. When dried, river reeds take on woody characteristics.

Sea Grass

A grass that grows in a salt water environment. It is cultivated in flooded paddy fields. When dried, these grasses become very stiff.

Sisal

A stiff fiber from the agave plant. Durability of the fibers increases when they are dried and interwoven.

Vetiver

A curly fiber from the root of the vetiver plant that becomes stiff when dried. Its strong earthy fragrance is commonly used in perfumes or colognes.

Walingi

A grassy fiber indigenous to the South Pacific. When dried, its variegated natures makes it easily distinguishable.

Water Hyacinth

Water Hyacinth's hollow, grassy fiber takes on grass-like characteristics when dried and split.

Water Lily

The long stalks or stems of water lilies provide a soft, yet strong fiber. Only stems from mature plants are selected for their superior strength and uniformity. Fibers are then sun-dried and handspun.

Wool

Spun from the fleece of sheep, wool is a hardy natural fiber that has superior drapability and excellent insulative properties.

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WELCOME

Hartmann&Forbes luxurious natural windowcoverings, wallcoverings and textiles are handcrafted of sustainable materials, in editions of one, exclusively for the design trade. If we can help you with a designer referral, please contact us at 888-582-8780.